National Health Mission (NHM) employees and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in Kerala are protesting over the delay in releasing Rs 820 crore for the 2023–24 financial year, which has hampered the functioning of a crucial healthcare scheme.
The delay in transferring funds has forced the state government to shoulder the burden of running the healthcare programme on its own. The Union Health Ministry’s demand for the rebranding of family health centres as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs has further complicated matters, adding to the frustration of NHM and ASHA workers.
Wages for January 2024 have yet to be disbursed, with the state government bearing 40 per cent of the scheme’s expenses while waiting on the remaining 60 per cent from the Centre. This shortfall has severely impacted the distribution of essential supplies and services, including medicines, diagnostic charges and insurance schemes.
In Uttar Pradesh, ASHA workers protested demanding higher minimum wages and official recognition as state employees. The protest in Lucknow highlights the ongoing struggles faced by these essential healthcare workers across the country.
Meanwhile, in Odisha, there are plans to increase the salaries of Anganwadi and ASHA workers, signalling a positive step towards recognising their invaluable contributions to public health.
However, these efforts contrast sharply with the challenges faced by their counterparts in other states, underscoring the need for consistent support and recognition for healthcare workers nationwide.
